2014 STEP Award Honorees

“I am passionate about manufacturing primarily because of the people. I paid my way through college working in a factory and since then have spent 22 years in the metals service center business. The people I interact with are genuinely good, honest folks working their hardest to always do the right thing.”

Karla Lewis offers outstanding finance skills and business insights. She is focused, laser-sharp in understanding the key issues, and translates complexities into understandable perspectives. In addition to her analytical skills, Karla also brings a seasoned business executive’s approach to problem-solving.

She has balance in her approach – treats people with honor, dignity and respect – and effectively separates emotions from facts. She is genuine, committed to what she believes in and is constructive/ collaborative in everything she does. She understands and embraces her stewardship and fiduciary responsibilities. She always does what is in the best interest of the organization.

Karla is the consummate professional who also manages to maintain the proper work/life balance. She gives her time and talent to the one hundred and four year-old industry trade association, having served in many volunteer leadership positions. She is a mentor to many within the company and is a role model for the next generation of leaders coming up through the ranks of the industrial metals supply chain. She is self-confident yet humble; she is focused yet flexible; she is willing to make the difficult decisions yet treats everyone with fairness and compassion. Karla is without doubt one of the most respected leaders in the industry.